Review: Slang - Garden City
Slang is a band/project that does a rare thing for me.
Immediately in the first 5 seconds of listening to the first song on their
newest album, Garden City, the song Red River, I dug them/him immensely. The
song starts out like an awesome hybrid of Joe Satriani if he played for Deep
Purple (he actually did for a Japanese tour) and features tasty organ licks and
great shred guitars. Speaking of Japanese, if an Anime company called up Slang
to use this song as a theme song for an anime film it wouldn’t surprise me, a
very anthemic and catchy track.
The second song, is a far funkier track that almost
reminds one of a mid-eighties action movie where the camera is craning down on
the city in the beginning. That’s not a knock though, as the ensuing jazzy
guitar makes the song shine. This is the eighth solo album by Slang,
a guitarist/musician hailing from Winnipeg Canada who is eclectic to say the least.
The album continues with songs like Heartland which
feature some softer strains and touching acoustic parts that cleanse the
palette.
Bug Juice is the third track, and almost reminds one of
an instrumental classic era Chili Peppers or Faith No More track.
Slang, at least on this album, is an instrumental only
artist, though in this case it’s quite refreshing. There are enough vocal like
melodies to make hooks aplenty.
Songs like Northgate, continue in an almost grungy rock
direction until the proggy keyboards come in.
The Witches Hut is a pure prog rocker with a gothic
haunted house touch, awesome technical rock with a great feel.
Further songs like Amber Trail are cut from the same
cloth as some of the funkier tracks,
Though then are tracks Monkey Tree recalling some of
Steve Vai’s rockier moments.
Overall, as a double album, the album goes through
various moods and textures and is challenging in its breadth and depth and
sheer length, but is ultimately rewarding to your rock or metal warrior out to
take the time to dig in. The production is perfect and balanced, with a sheen
that rivals million dollar productions.
Do I recommend the album? I would have to say yes, especially
for fans of energetic and varied instrumental rock and metal.
You can find out about Slang at the following links:
Garden City is currently available for download on:
iTunes:https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/gardencity/1448954815
https://www.facebook.com/SlangMusica
http://www.slangproductions.com
https://www.facebook.com/SlangMusica
http://www.slangproductions.com
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